There is still time for reconciliation

Malaysia humbled by Saudi Arabia 1-4 in an 'exhibition show' in Shah Alam tonight.

It was a first half to forget. We just managed to have one shot on target via the ever green striker Amri Yahyah. And he was the only player who did not show any fear towards the visiting team.

Defence:

khairul Fahmi having an average performance, not so brilliant, but i thought he could do better against the second goal. The first goal was a soft one. The Malaysian defenders should have done better with the incoming crosses from the left. Faizal Muhamad misjudged header allowed the Saudi striker to head home past the helpless Khairul Fahmi.

Faizal - Fadhly partnership looked shacky and lack of commanding qualities. It suprised me, considering they used to play together during Harimau Muda days. Understanding between them should not be an issue.

Not sure with Asra's fitness level, as he was substituted before the break. Mahali was assigned to venture further up to support Azamudin Akil, but i just felt that he always outnumbered, isolated on that right flank and finaly lost the ball possesion.

Midfield:

I summarized Badhri Radzi's debut as an average display. It was not a total failure. So as to Shakir Shaari, he was working hard to protect the back four and tried to emulate his Kelantan form. There was short spell where the pair managed to hold the ball well, link up together for short passess. I thought their main weakness were during off the ball defending. Lack of mobility and aggresion allowing the Saudi's to move the ball with great pace.

Khyril Muhymeen just as i expected. Not to criticise him as a person, but his premier league football has turn him into a lesser player. Looked struggling at the left flank, easily clamped down by the opponent, and always forced to turn back and pass the ball backward. My suggestion is to drop him as long as he is playing in the lower division.

Azamuddin Akil lack of invention on the right flank means the supply for the forward line also being totaly limited. There was no penetrative run from the right side, lack of accurate crosses from the right and failed to link up well with Mahali Jasuli. I dont see him as an ideal starter for the Yemen clash.

Forward:

Amri - Nurshahrul partnership should be retained, but depending on Nurshahrul's injury level. The later had one glorious opportunity in the second half, but his weak shot comfortably dealt by the Saudi GK.

Second half:

Norazlan Razali brilliant display should be rewarded for this Friday's game against Yemen. Clean catch against crosses and high balls, and his agility enhance the defenders confidence level.

Aidil Zafuan had a normal game, nothing special for me. Helmi Rameli looked nervous after being left out from the national team for quite some times now. Zubir Azmi was magnificent at left back. Full of energy, constantly supporting his left winger and did backtracking job with discipline.  K rueben looked solid, more physical presence on right back.

Safiq Rahim goal suprised me, and he managed to proved me wrong with his display. His introduction alongside K Gurusamy worked well, pressing the Saudis further deep. But strangely, the pressing won't last long, as the Saudi responded with other two goals late towards the end of the game.

Gopi impressed me with his energetic run on the left flank. Young and strong, the Pahang winger should start instead of Khyril for this friday. Ashari had a quiet night, and had one effort sailed above the cross bar.

Manaf mamat intelligent play fed safiq for our only goal. His movement and creating rooms for others to support made him a strong candidate to push for a place this friday.
Hadi Yahya, meanwhile failed to make an impact. I am not convince by his display tonight.

suggestions Line up

I suggest the following first eleven for our head coach to consider. I pick this eleven based on stability and work as a unit to face Yemen:

4-4-2 formation

1. Norazlan 2. K Rueben 3. Aidil  4. Fadhly 5. Zubir Azmi 6. K Gurusamy 7. Shakir Shaari 8. Mahali Jasuli (Right wingback) 9. Gopi (Left wing) 10. Amri 11. Nurshahrul